Historically, the sedan bodystyle has been the most popular in the Malaysian market. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that this bodystyle (also referred to as ‘3-box’) was the one most extensively offered by automakers before hatchbacks started to appear in the late 1970s.
Why sedans remained popular
And while hatchbacks offered versatility which motorists also appreciated, somehow it was the sedan which remained dominant. For some people, the absence of the third ‘box’ where the boot is was thought to make a hatchback less safe (though that is not really the case as crash tests have shown).
Also, with a proper boot, there was better security for belongings whereas some hatchbacks had exposed cargo areas. And of course, some also felt that a boot would prevent smells from entering the cabin.
So it was only natural that when the first Malaysian National Car was conceived, it would be a sedan, the bodystyle that 95% of passenger cars sold had in the early 1980s.
Being Proton’s only model in the earliest years and also the most affordable car in the market, sales of the Saga rose quickly, propelling Proton to become the No.1 brand within a relatively short time.
Contributed to motorisation
Many Malaysians – young and old – have memories of the Saga, either having driven one or travelled in one when they were small. Affordable, reliable, practical and made in Malaysia, it accelerated the motorisation of the country while Proton, as the national automaker, also advanced the auto industry.
More than 40 years later, Proton continues to be the top-selling brand for sedans in Malaysia. To date, over 3.85 million sedans have been sold in Malaysia and overseas, with later models including the Wira, Perdana, Waja, Inspira, Persona, Preve and S70.
Saga still the bestseller
While Proton also offers hatchbacks and in recent years, SUVs, it is the Saga that remains the brand’s most popular model up till today. Over 2 million units have been sold since it went on sale in July 1985. Of course, the Saga has periodically been updated with new designs and new technologies, becoming a better product as the years went by.
Updated periodically
The model has undergone many changes through three generations, with improvements in safety, performance, comfort and most importantly, safety. As safety technologies became available and costs went down, they were incorporated in the Saga to raise levels of protection.
There is a unique feature to make sure the driver checks the car for children sitting or sleeping behind before exiting, an important ‘reminder service’ that could prevent the tragic occurrences we have read about from time to time.
The new Proton sedans offer even more advanced safety technologies with the S70 having ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) up to Level 2. ADAS helps the driver to be more aware of dangerous situations and also helps to prevent collisions or minimise their effects. Some of the systems are so advanced they can even ‘read’ the speed limit signs and make the driver aware of them.
“At Proton, we take immense pride in our deep-rooted connection with Malaysian families, dating back to the 1980s. Our sedans – from the iconic Saga to the innovative S70 – have not only served as reliable first cars but have also become cherished family pass-me-downs, creating lasting memories across generations. With over 3.85 million sedans sold, we remain committed to delivering quality, safety, and innovation, ensuring that each vehicle reflects our dedication to the evolving needs of our customers,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.
Click here to know more about Proton sedans and other models.